The Ark
285 Farrellton Rd.
Denholm, QC
Mad Trapper Relentless
Course Descriptions
Something for Everyone
What I have done for Relentless is create fun, challenging courses for every level of ability. So if you can comfortably run 3k on the road, then you'll be able to complete the 3k Try-a-Trail, but you'll find it challenging. If you are a 10k road runner, then it's the same thing. You'll love your time out there on our trails, but you can trust it'll be the longest 10k you have ever run.
So the choice is yours. You can challenge yourself and run the same distance you run on the road here at the Ark, or you can take it down and run the next shortest distance. If you are a 60 minute 10km road runner, then you can expect the 10k to take you 1:30 to 1:40 or you can do the 5k in between 45 and 55 minutes.
The choice is yours.
There is only one AID STATION located at The Ark. It will be stocked with water, and electrolyte drink, bananas and roasted potatoes. The "ultra runners" should plan on carrying their own nutrition and water on the course. With the exception of the first 18k prologue, you'll have opportunities to replenish every 10k. The 18k loop starts and ends at The Ark, so you can replenish after the gravel road run as well.
Your Options Include...
3k "Try a Trail"
The truth is The Ark is located on some pretty rugged terrain. But I've done my best to make the Try a Trail as "newbie friendly" as possible. But there is some elevation change and about equal amounts of technical single track and straight forward double track.
10AM START
5k "Mad" Course
The 5k "Mad Course" is a single loop of twisty-turny single track. There is some elevation gain, but there is actually a decent "flat" section now and no killer hills. There is certainly nothing here you can't handle.
10AM START
10.5k "Crazed" Course
This is also a single loop and possesses a little bit of everything... The 5k "Mad Course" is in there, plus there's a decent truly flat that borders my neighbor's hay field, plus there is the "mountain climb".... Let's just say your legs will feel it! One aid station at ~5km
10AM START
21k of "Insanity"
The 21k of Insanity is simply 2 loops of the 10.5k Crazed Course. Trust me, your legs are going to feel it. Aid stations ~ every 5km
8AM START
The Ark 30k Hybrid
Is this a road race or a trail race? It's a HYBRID! You'll start with an 18k gravel road loop that runs south from the Ark. It's an undulating loop with some terrific fall colours views. Then, once you return to The Ark, you'll head out for a single lap of the 10.5 km single track course. Should be a challenging, albeit fun, course!
8AM START
The Ark 50k Ultra
Racers will begin with a 18k gravel road prologue in a loop south of The Ark. Racers will want to conserve their energy as they are challenged by over 1000 feet of elevation change over the full 50k. Once that little jog is complete, racers will then enter the trail system to tackle 3 loops of the 10.5k of Insanity course. Aid stations ~ every 5km.
7AM START
Course/Loop Descriptions and Strava Map Links
(Click on the maps and be taken to the Strava website)
3km Loop
This is the 3.3km loop I run most mornings with Biko. Half the loop is on double wide trail and the other half is the more technical single track. But given how frequently we run it, it's a trail in great condition that is great to run or hike.
5km Loop
This loop will look fairly similar to the 3k loop, but the start is quite different. There is much more of a climb to get going and that first 1.5km of trail are the most technical of the entire loop. So the good news, once that's behind you, it's easy sailing! There is also another hill at the end that the 3k'ers don't get to do!!!
10k Loop
This 10k loop is why it's called "Relentless". In 2022 I updated the course away from my neighbour's fields to keep nearly the entire loop either on my land or Crown land. This made for more elevation but also a beautiful view of a small private lake at the rear of the property. What's cool though, is the lake view is the highest point, so once you make ti that far, it's "almost" all downhill from there. Of course, the 10k racers will run this loop once. The 21k racers will run this loop twice. The 30k racers will run the loop once. And the 50k racers get to do it THREE TIMES!
18km Gravel Road Loop
Both the 30k and 50k races will start with an 18k gravel road loop. This is mildly hilly course with one really significant decent and climb. But try not to go out to hard on this secion as you'll want to still have some legs left for the upcoming single track section(s).
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